Ant spray containing D-limonene and methods of making and using same

ABSTRACT

A food-grade insecticidal composition effective in controlling insects, such as ants, aphids, mealy bugs, white flies, spider mites, leaf hoppers, cabbage loopers, leaf eating beetles and caterpillars, cockroaches, flies, wasps, body and head lice but which is non-toxic to humans and household animals includes an effective insect-controlling amount of D-limonene, a non-toxic emulsifying agent, and a non-toxic hydrophilic solvent.

[0001] This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 09/218,732, filed Dec. 22, 1998, which is a continuation-in-part ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/846,351, filed Apr. 30, 1997, bothof which are now abandoned and the disclosures of which are incorporatedin their entirety herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to an all-natural, food gradeinsecticidal composition that is effective in controlling insectsincluding ants, aphids, mealy bugs, white flies, spider mites, leafhoppers, cabbage loopers, leaf eating beetles and caterpillars,cockroaches, flies, wasps, body and head lice and more particularlyrelates to an insecticidal composition that contains D-limonene, anon-toxic hydrophilic solvent, a non-toxic emulsifying agent, and apreservative, that is an effective residual repellant and contactinsecticide but is non-toxic to humans and household animals, and notharmful to landscaping, particularly rose bushes and ornamentals, indoorplants or the environment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Numerous pesticide and insecticide products are available in themarket for killing insects such as ants. However, these products aregenerally toxic to humans and household animals, and harmful to plantsand the environment. Therefore they must be administered with extremecare. This is especially a problem in the termination of ants,cockroaches and the like because they normally appear near food where acareless use of insecticides may cause accidental poisoning of humansand household animals.

[0004] Other insecticide products containing D-Limonene disperse theD-Limonene in mineral oil petroleum distillates which may be harmful ifaccidentally ingested and may cause damage to plants. Unlike thecompositions of the present invention, no emulsifier is used because theD-Limonene is dispersed in oil and not water.

[0005] Lice infestation of humans, particularly children, is stilltreated with compositions that contain the pesticide lindane. Lindane iscarcinogenic and an estrogen mimic. There exists a need for acomposition which can treat body and head lice but which is safe to use,particularly on children.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 4,379,168 to Dotolo discloses pesticides containingD-limonene as an insect-killing ingredient along with water-solublesurfactants or emulsifiers, and water. The pesticide compositions aredesigned for use mainly as a dip to rid small animals of fleas and ticksand as a spray to kill fleas and ticks on small animals. None of thecompositions taught by Dotolo contain suitable amounts of emulsifyingagent and D-limonene for the purpose of the present invention. None ofthe compositions taught by Dotolo contain any surfactants or emulsifiersthat were selected for their safety. For example, the Kodak LaboratoryChemical Catalog No. 51 indicates that Triton X-100, which is disclosedas an acceptable emulsifier in Dotolo, is irritating to the skin andeyes.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 3,023,144 to Greathouse, et al. disclosesgermicides and fungicides containing about 25% by weight D-limonene,about 1% by weight of p-methyl acetophenone, and other unsaturatedhydrocarbon cleavage products of D-limonene, up to about 7% by weightconcentrated citrus oil foots and from 0.25% up to about 10% by weightsalicylic acid. The compositions are used for topical application onhumans and animals to control infections of skin and external organsarising from wounds or from infestation by fungi, bacteria, and larvae.Greathouse discloses that the active ingredient for the biocidalactivity of the compositions disclosed is not D-limonene but rathercompounds such as p-methyl acetophenone, and other unsaturatedhydrocarbon cleavage products of D-limonene.

[0008] A need exists for an insecticidal composition that kills oncontact and controls insects such as ants, aphids, mealy bugs, whiteflies, spider mites, leaf hoppers, cabbage loopers, leaf eating beetlesand caterpillars, cockroaches, flies, wasps, body and head lice byrepelling them, and which is non-toxic to humans, household animals andhouse plants.

[0009] A need also exists for an insecticidal composition that iseffective in controlling insects such as ants, aphids, mealy bugs, whiteflies, spider mites, leaf hoppers, cabbage loopers, leaf eating beetlesand caterpillars, spiders, earwigs, slugs and snails, cockroaches,flies, wasps, body and head lice by killing them, and which is non-toxicto humans, household animals and house plants.

[0010] There is also a need for a safe and effective treatment for liceinfestation of a human.

[0011] A need also exists for an insecticidal composition that containsan insecticide made from a natural substance that is part of andtherefore not harmful to landscaping, particularly rose bushes andornamentals, indoor plants or the environment.

[0012] A need also exists for an insecticidal composition that can beused around food, humans and pets without worry.

SUMMARY OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a food-grade insecticidal composition that includes an amountof D-limonene sufficient to provide insect control, a non-toxichydrophilic solvent, and an amount of a non-toxic emulsifying agentsufficient to solubilize D-limonene in the solvent.

[0014] Preferably, the inventive composition includes about 1% to about20% by weight of D-limonene, about 1% to about 25% by weight of theselected non-toxic emulsifying agent, for example Alkamuls EL620, andabout 98% to about 55% by weight of the selected non-toxic hydrophilicsolvent.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the inventive composition alsoincludes at least one food-grade preservative, such as sodium benzoate.

[0016] Methods of making and using the inventive compositions are alsoprovided.

[0017] Other objects, features and advantages of the present inventionwill become apparent to those skilled in the art from the followingdetailed description. It is to be understood, however, that the detaileddescription and specific examples, while indicating preferredembodiments of the present invention, are given by way of illustrationand not limitation. Many changes and modifications within the scope ofthe present invention may be made without departing from the spiritthereof, and the invention includes all such modifications.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] The non-toxic insecticidal compositions according to the presentinvention have a pleasant citrus scent and are suitable for use in anyliving environment. In particular, the inventive compositions are madeonly from food-grade ingredients. As used herein, an ingredient or acomposition is “food-grade” if it meets the U.S.F.D.A.'s G.R.A.S.(Generally Recognized as Safe) food grade standard. Additionally, in apreferred embodiment of the invention, the inventive compositions aremade only from organic ingredients. As used herein, an ingredient or acomposition is “organic” if it is made mainly of naturally occuringmaterials. Thus, the inventive compositions are not only safe andnon-toxic to humans and household animals such as dogs, cats, rabbits,birds, lizards, etc., but can also be used near food without any dangerof contamination or accidental poisoning, and are safe even if ingestedby humans or household animals. The inventive compositions will not harmlandscaping foliage or indoor plants. Since the inventive compositionsare made of mainly naturally occurring materials, they are not harmfulto the environment and do not cause any unwanted pollution. They arealso completely biodegradable.

[0019] D-limonene, otherwise known as orange limonene or1-methyl-4-(1methylethenyl) cyclohexene or 4-isopropenyl-1-methylcyclohexene, has a chemical formula of C₁₀H₁₆, a molecular weight of136.2, and contains 88.1% C and 11.8% H by weight. It occurs in variousethereal oils, particularly in oils of lemon, orange, lime, grapefruitand bergamot. D-limonene can be obtained from steam extraction of citruspeels of orange, lemon, lime, grapefruit and bergamot, some of theextractions can contain as high as 90% D-limonene. The invention thusprovides a valuable use for what would otherwise be a waste product.Distillation of the oils produces technical grades of D-limonene ofhigher purity, i.e., from about 95% to about 96%. D-limonene has apleasant citrus scent. It can be suitably used in any livingenvironment.

[0020] The D-form of limonene is a liquid having a boiling point of175.5-176 degrees centigrade. It can be commercially obtained from LykesPasco Packing Company (Dade City, Fla.) or Florida Chemical Company(Lake Alfred, Fla.).

[0021] The compositions of the present invention allow a user to provideinsect control in interior and exterior settings. Insect control caninclude repelling and/or killing insects, such that less insects arealive or present in a given area than if the compositions of the presentinvention had not been applied in the area. The inventive compositionscontrol a wide range of insects, including without limitations ants,aphids, mealy bugs, white flies, spider mites, leaf hoppers, cabbageloopers, leaf eating beetles and caterpillars, cockroaches, flies,wasps, body lice and head lice.

[0022] While not limiting the invention by any particular theory, it isbelieved that the D-limonene acts to soften the waxy coating on theexoskeleton of insects and thereby causes the softened coating to clogthe external insect respiratory organs, known as spiracles. The cloggedspiracles interfere with the ability of the insect to obtain adequateamounts of oxygen, ultimately resulting in the death of the insect. Thisinvention is therefore also suitable against other pests, besidesinsects, which would be susceptible to the external effects set forthabove.

[0023] The inventive compositions include a food-grade, non-toxichydrophilic solvent. Water is particularly preferred as the solvent.Other non-toxic hydrophilic solvents, for example, ethanol, diluteacetic acid solutions, and the like can also be used.

[0024] Useful emulsifying agents include polyethoxylated castor oils.One such emulsifying agent is available commercially under the tradename of Alkamuls EL620 from Rhone Poulenc Co. It is non-toxic to humans,household animals and house plants and landscaping and will not causeskin or eye irritation. Castor oils also improve the insecticidal effectof the formulation. Other commercially available emulsifying agents thatare non-toxic, such as polyoxyethylenesorbitans supplied by ICI Americasor Sigma Chemical Company, may also be suitably used for the presentinvention provided that they are food-grade. In a preferred embodiment apolyoxyethylenesorbitan monooleate such as Tween 80 may be used.

[0025] In general, the emulsifying agent should be present in an amountsufficient to render the D-limonene soluble in the non-toxic hydrophilicsolvent. When a polyethoxylated castor oil is used, it should containsufficient polyethoxylation to render the D-limonene soluble in anon-toxic hydrophilic solvent when the emulsifying agent is used in anamount as disclosed herein. When that solvent is water, the temperatureof the water when combined with the other ingredients of the compositionshould be about 95° F. for optimal emulsification.

[0026] In order to provide a reasonable shelf-life to the insecticidalcompositions, it is preferable that a preservative be added to thecomposition. One such suitable preservative is sodium benzoatecommercially supplied by Pfizer, Inc. Other commercially availablepreservatives used for preserving food, as would be known to those ofordinary skill in the art, may also be suitably used.

[0027] Preferred embodiments of the inventive insecticidal composition,which are suitable for application as a spray, include about 0.7% toabout 20% by weight, more preferably about 0.7% to about 10% by weight,of D-limonene, and even more preferably about 0.775% by weightD-limonene; between about 1% to about 25% by weight, more preferablyabout 5% to about 15% by weight, of a non-toxic emulsifying agent; about0.01% to about 5% by weight, more preferably about 0.01% to about 1.0%by weight, of a preservative; and the balance of the selected solvent.

[0028] Preferably, the inventive compositions are free of petroleumdistillates.

[0029] When the novel insecticidal compositions are used indoors as aspray, they should be sprayed preferably from about 6 to about 8 inchesaway from and directly on insects such as ants, or on insect trails suchas ant trails to the source of the insects such as ants (e.g., antcolonies, nests, etc.) and sprayed until visibly wet. Insects aretypically killed within minutes of contact with the novel insecticidalcompositions. insects such as ants (e.g., ant colonies, nests, etc.) andsprayed until visibly wet. Insects are typically killed within minutesof contact with the novel insecticidal compositions.

[0030] The insecticidal compositions can be used on the interiorsurfaces in a building such as counter tops and in food preparationareas. For outdoor use, the insecticidal compositions of the presentinvention should be applied at the perimeter of a building such as ahome, at insect trails such as ant trails, at insect nests, such as antnests and at doors, cracks, and window frames where insects such as antsmay enter the building. It should be applied until visibly wet. It willprovide lasting repellent qualities.

[0031] Application of the present insecticidal compositions ispreferably effected by spraying of the insecticidal compositions byconventional spray apparatus such as aerosol cans bug sprayers and thelike. However, application may also be effected by any means ofcontacting surfaces to be treated, for example, with a brush which hasbeen dipped in the insecticidal compositions. Because the novelinsecticidal compositions are non-toxic, they can also be applied with ahuman hand.

[0032] When the present invention is applied to solid surfaces and leftto remain there, the residual effect of the insecticidal compositionwill last for a period of time effectively keeping insects, such asants, away from the treated area.

[0033] The inventive insecticidal compositions can also be applied to aplant, such as a rose bush or other ornamental plant, in order tocontrol insects.

[0034] Further embodiments of the inventive compositions can beformulated for use in treating humans, particularly children, infectedwith lice, particularly head lice. When the novel insecticidalcomposition is used to treat humans infected with lice, it should beapplied to the infected area, such as the scalp and left on for about 5minutes after which it may be rinsed and preferably shampooed off.

[0035] The invention can be made as a concentrate that can be dilutedwith water. The invention can be used as a paste and be effective in thecontrol of head and body lice.

[0036] Non-limiting examples of the inventive insecticidal compositionare set forth below.

EXAMPLE 1

[0037] For home, office, school, institutional or industrialapplications, indoor and outdoor (proven effective against ants, roachesand fleas but is a broad based insecticide and repellent):

[0038] 6 wt % D-limonene (0.2% impurities in the D-limonene, net active5.8%)

[0039] 10 wt % Alkamuls EL620 (polyethoxylated caster oil)

[0040] 0.1 wt % sodium benzoate

[0041] 83.9 wt % water.

[0042] The insecticidal composition according to the foregoing specificformulation has a white, opalescent color. Its physical state is aliquid at 25° C. and has a citrus-like odor. It has a boiling pointbetween 99-100° C. and a specific gravity of 0.9753 gm/ml. It is solublein water and has a pH of 6.1. The flash point of the insecticidalcomposition is greater than 60° C. It has a viscosity of 1.97 centipoiseat 37.8° C.

EXAMPLE 2

[0043] For agriculture, on food and ornamental crops (proven effectiveon aphids and spider mites but useful for many other plan pests):

[0044] 0.775% D-limonene (0.05% impurities in the d-Limonene, net active0.725%)

[0045] 2.5% Alkamuls EL 620

[0046] 0.025% Sodium Benzoate

[0047] 95.975% Water (UV sterilized and particulate filtered to 5microns)

EXAMPLE 3

[0048] As a liquid concentrate to make the two previous formulations bysimply adding the proper ratio of warm 95° F. water:

[0049] 18% d-Limonene (0.6% impurities in the d-Limonene, net active17.4%)

[0050] 30% Alkamuls EL 620

[0051] 0.3% Sodium Benzoate

[0052] 51.7% Water (UV sterilized and particulate filtered to 5 microns)

EXAMPLE 4

[0053] As a paste for applying to head and body as a treatment for lice(puts lice into a state of morbidity making for easy removal):

[0054] 24% d-Limonene (0.8% impurities in the d-Limonene, net active23.2%)

[0055] 40% Alkamuls EL 620

[0056] 0.1% Sodium Benzoate

[0057] 35.9% Water (UV sterilized and particulate filtered to 5 microns)

What is claimed is:
 1. A food-grade insecticidal composition comprisingan amount of D-limonene sufficient to provide insect control, anon-toxic hydrophilic solvent, an amount of a non-toxic emulsifyingagent sufficient to solubilize D-limonene in said non-toxic hydrophilicsolvent, wherein the emulsifying agent is non-toxic to humans.
 2. Theinsecticidal composition according to claim 1 comprising about 1% toabout 20% by weight of D-limonene, about 1% to about 25% by weight saidnontoxic emulsifying agent, and about 98% to about 55% by weight of saidnon-toxic hydrophilic solvent.
 3. The insecticidal composition accordingto claim 1 further comprising an amount of at least one food-gradepreservative sufficient to extend the effectiveness of said insecticidalcomposition.
 4. The insecticidal composition according to claim 3comprising about 0.01% to about 5% by weight of said preservative. 5.The insecticidal composition according to claim 1 wherein said amount ofD-limonene sufficient to provide insect control is sufficient to repelan insect.
 6. The insecticidal composition according to claim 1 whereinsaid amount of D-limonene sufficient to provide insect control issufficient to kill an insect.
 7. The insecticidal composition accordingto claim 1 wherein said non-toxic emulsifying agent is a polyethoxylatedcastor oil.
 8. The insecticidal composition according to claim 1 whereinsaid non-toxic emulsifying agent is a polyoxyethylenesorbitan.
 9. Theinsecticidal composition according to claim 1 wherein said non-toxichydrophilic solvent is water.
 10. The insecticidal composition accordingto claim 2 wherein said preservative is a food preservative.
 11. Theinsecticidal composition according to claim 1 which controls at leastone insect selected from the group consisting of ants, aphids, mealybugs, white flies, spider mites, leaf hoppers, cabbage loopers, leafeating beetles and caterpillars, cockroaches, flies, wasps, body liceand head lice.
 12. The insecticidal composition according to claim 1comprising about 1% to about 10% by weight of D-limonene, about 5% toabout 15% by weight of a non-toxic emulsifying agent, and about 94% toabout 75% by weight of a non-toxic hydrophilic solvent.
 13. A method ofmaking an insecticidal composition comprising the step of combining anamount of D-limonene sufficient to provide insect control with anon-toxic hydrophilic solvent and an amount of a non-toxic emulsifyingagent sufficient to solubilize D-limonene in said non-toxic hydrophilicsolvent, wherein all said ingredients are food-grade.
 14. The method ofclaim 13 comprising the step of combining about 1% to about 20% byweight of D-limonene, about 1% to about 25% by weight of said non-toxicemulsifying agent and about 97.99% to about 50% by weight of saidnon-toxic hydrophilic solvent.
 15. The method of claim 14 wherein saidsolvent is water.
 16. The method of claim 14 wherein said ingredientsare combined with about 0.01% to about 5% by weight of a preservative.17. A method of controlling insects comprising the step of applying theinsecticidal composition of claim 1 to one selected from the groupconsisting of an insect, an insect trail, an insect nest, a buildingsurface, a building perimeter, and a plant.
 18. The method of claim 17wherein said insects to be controlled are on plants.
 19. The method ofclaim 1 8 wherein said plants are selected from the group consisting ofrose bushes and ornamentals.
 20. A method of treating a human infectedwith lice comprising the steps of applying the composition of claim 1 toa portion of the human infected with the lice, allowing said compositionto remain on the infected portion for a period of time and removing saidcomposition.
 21. A food-grade insecticidal composition comprising about0.7% to about 1.5% by weight of D-limonene, about 1% to about 25% byweight of a castor oil and about 98% to about 55% by weight of anon-toxic hydrophilic solvent.
 22. The insecticidal compositionaccording to claim 21 further comprising an amount of at least onefood-grade preservative sufficient to extend the effectiveness of theinsecticidal composition.
 23. The insecticidal composition according toclaim 22 comprising about 0.01% to about 5% by weight of saidpreservative.
 24. The insecticidal composition according to claim 21comprising about 0.775% D-limonene.
 25. A method of eradicating fireants, comprising: applying a formulation to an area to be eradicated offire ants, wherein said formulation consists essentially of about 0.7%to about 1.5% D-limonene, about 1% to about 25% by weight of anemulsifying agent, and about 98% to about 55% by weight of a non-toxichydrophilic solvent; and allowing said formulation to remain in contactwith said area for a suitable period of time to eradicate said fireants.
 26. A method of eradicating fire ants, comprising: applying aformulation to an area to be eradicated of fire ants, wherein saidformulation consists essentially of about 0.7% to about 1.5% D-limonene,about 1% to about 25% by weight of an emulsifying agent, about 98% toabout 55% by weight of a non-toxic hydrophilic solvent, and about 0.01%to about 5% by weight of a food-grade preservative ; and allowing saidformulation to remain in contact with said area for a suitable period oftime to eradicate said fire ants.